Ferguson tells players to respect referees

London, March 22 (IANS) Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is angered by Chelsea player’s constant haranguing of referees during the Wednesday’s draw at Tottenham and has told his players to respect the referees. Chelsea defender Ashley Cole during the 4-4 draw had turned his back on Mike Riley while being booked for a reckless challenge and was assisted in his dissent by team mates John Terry and Frank Lampard, darting to challenge the referee.

“Respect the referee,” Ferguson was quoted as saying in The Telegraph. “The haranguing of referees is ridiculous.”

Having backed the Football Association’s ‘Respect the Referee’ initiative Friday, Ferguson then launched an impromptu ‘Respect the Manager’ campaign.

“Talking of criticism of referees (in newspapers) today, well, no one gets criticised more than managers. Managers endure humiliation every season. The rapidity of managers being sacked this season is at an all-time peak, particularly in the Premier League,” Ferguson was quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

The Scottish disciplinarian insists United epitomises gracious behaviour on the pitch since an official was mobbed in 2000 by the players infuriated by a penalty awarded against them.

“We had a pivotal moment some years ago when my players surrounded Andy D’Urso,” Ferguson recalled. “I went off my head with them about that. I thought it was ridiculous and it never happened again.

“We tell them to shake the hand of the referee at the end of the game when it’s finished. It’s sometimes difficult but they have to do it.”